Development of tactile and audiotactile teaching resources for students with visual impairments

• Grant number: 25/08297-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Geography
• Principal Investigator: Vera Lucia Messias Fialho Capellini
• Grantee: Darcilei Alves da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01132-2 - Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), AP.CCD

Abstract

Tactile Cartography is a specific area of Cartography dedicated to the production of representations adapted to the specific needs of people with visual impairments, but especially if the maps have printed letters and different colors, they can be used by everyone, enabling multisensory and inclusive learning. (ALMEIDA, SENA and CARMO, 2011). For students with visual impairments, the availability of tactile teaching materials is indispensable and of great importance. Tactile graphic representations offer these students the opportunity to become active throughout the learning process, thus being able to have a better notion of spatial perception in practical life, facilitating their orientation and mobility. (RIBEIRO and SENA, 2020 page 19) The process of inclusion has been taking place in schools around the world, mainly since the end of the 20th century, thanks to technical advances and the development of laws and international declarations. However, even with the inclusion of the principles of inclusion in education, it is common to find students with disabilities without access to adapted resources and teachers who are overwhelmed, often carrying out activities on the fly. This research will develop new teaching resources adapted from the principles of Tactile Cartography for use in schools with students with visual impairments included in regular classrooms. Thus, the development and evaluation of teaching resources that use other senses besides vision can contribute significantly to improving the quality of education for people with disabilities in general and, in the case of this proposal, specifically, people with visual impairments. (AU)